Following its inaugural season, celebrated chef expands new vintage in U.S. and global markets
(LOS ANGELES; July 2018) — Following a successful year of introducing his wine to consumers, Patina Restaurant Group Founder and acclaimed Chef Joachim Splichal announces the launch of two new rosé wines, the 2017 Domaine de Cala Rosé and 2017 Domaine de Cala Prestige Rosé, from his family-owned and operated winery this month. Both wines are a distinct expression of their refined, Provencal roots hailing from the French vineyards between Nice and Aix-en-Provence, showcasing a pale pink hue with bright and clear reflections, evoking both floral and citrus notes that delicately progress into a spicy aroma. Priced at $15.95 for the classic Rosé and $25.95 for the Prestige Rosé, and an ideal wine to pair with a variety of dishes, Domaine de Cala is available for purchase throughout the U.S., including Whole Foods locations throughout southern California, as the brand continues to rapidly expand in global markets including Holland, Germany, Japan and France.
Splichal’s personal connection to the region of Provence is deeply established, having started his illustrious culinary career in France, cooking at two- and three-Michelin star restaurants in Nice, La Napoule, and Antibes. His introduction to the food, culture, and overall climate of the region, combined with his early exposure to wine having managed the cellar at his parents’ restaurant in Germany as a young adult, planted the seed that would grow into the dream of owning his own Provencal winery. In 2015, Splichal turned that vision into a reality and purchased the expansive 600-acre property from French wine broker Thibaud Desprets, including a 120-acre vineyard, which had already been producing premium rosé on the land for over 60 years.
The sprawling estate features truffle trees and a wild boar population, as well as a striking winery and tasting room with rich architectural character—designed by French architects Michel Roberts and Eric McDonald—which complements an idyllic 18th-century farmhouse updated to accommodate living quarters. In hopes to keep the winery as a family business, Splichal thoughtfully brought on board his twin sons, Nicolas and Stepháne, as business partners and organized a group of renowned experts in viticulture to complete the Domaine de Cala team.
At the forefront of the brand is world-renowned Winery Consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt who started his career working the harvest in Bordeaux in 1982, before finding great success working for Paul Barre and, later, at Château Pavie-Macquin in Saint-Emilion where he helped the boutique brand gain international recognition after only a few vintages, and Château Canon La Gaffelière before starting his own consulting firm in 1999. In addition to serving as a Winery Consultant, Derenoncourt also manages winemaker duties for the winery’s red wines.
Rosé Winemaker Bruno Tringali, a Provence resident, received his degree in oenology at Montpellier’s Faculté de Pharmacie before beginning his career overseeing the nearly 100-acre vineyards and wine cellar at Domaine du Thouar Le Muy in Draguignan in the Provence region, and eventually relocating to Vidauban to work as operations manager for Château Cavalier. Tringali then returned to his native Provence and launched BTOEV Consulting in Draguignan in 1994, having evolved into an expert in the expression of the southern French terroirs, and the production of Provençal rosés. Technical Manager François Rigord rounds out the core staff at Domaine de Cala with his 15 years of vineyard experience between Provence’s Commanderie de Peyrassol and Château Riotor.
“We are a passionate group of winemakers, and Domaine de Cala is a rare combination of soil and climate, carefully handcrafted to respect the fruit and enhance the extraordinary living heritage of the region,” says Splichal. “Even the cellar at Domaine is a combination of technology and simplicity that is guided by the human hand, as it’s essential that we are preserving the authenticity and flavors of the fruits.”
About Domaine de Cala
Proprietor Joachim Splichal, chef and founder of Patina Restaurant Group, returned to Provence, France, where he began his storied culinary career, to achieve the culmination of his lifelong appreciation for wine: Domaine de Cala. Located on 600 acres in Brignoles, the winery calls on internationally acclaimed Winery Consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt to oversee the winery operations and make its red wines; Provençal rosé expert Winemaker Bruno Tringali to develop its rosés; and Technical Manager François Rigord to manage the vineyard. Established in 2015 by Splichal and his partners, sons Stephàne and Nicolas Splichal, Domaine de Cala released its first vintage in 2015, and proudly released its 2017 rosé and 2017 Prestige rosé in spring 2018, with future plans to expand the portfolio with a red and white wine. Splichal’s astounding property in Provence boasts a 120-acre vineyard, truffle trees, wild boars, an updated 18th-century farmhouse, and an expansive, architecturally stunning winery and tasting room designed by French architects Michel Roberts and Eric McDonald.
With his culinary roots planted in France, Splichal worked his way up the ranks at some of the world’s most revered restaurants, including Le Chantecler in the Hotel Negresco in Nice and the Michelin three-star L’Oasis in La Napoule, before relocating to Los Angeles where he opened Patina restaurant, the flagship which led to the establishment of Patina Restaurant Group, which remains a revered culinary empire today featuring more than 65 distinguished restaurants and personalized catering services. Splichal has received a number of top awards in the culinary industry including induction into the James Beard Foundation’s “Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America,” and the “Richard Melman Innovator of the Year” award from Restaurant Hospitality magazine. For more information on Domaine de Cala, visit http://domainedecala.com/ or follow the global wine brand on Instagram and Vimeo.
